A Matrix for the Constant and Variable, a Framework for Reconstruction and Establishment of the Sense of Place: A Case Study of City Centers and Markets

Abstract

The inner concern and feeling of duty towards one’s country reflects strong interest in research and application of issues related to reconstruction. It will be most worrying if this interest is translated into simple concepts and formalistic applications with no concern to the overall dimensions and priorities at the social and economic levels. Such narrow view of the efforts of reconstruction would kill all hopes in true reconstruction in a manner similar to what is happening to the city of Homs; especially that it may be repeated in other cases. The question here, therefore, is: would it be possible to utilize meaningful research work for the development of the basics of reconstruction? This paper develops two matrices; the first collects important criteria and indicators of reconstruction to be called the basics of reconstruction. The second searches for the constants and variables which supports the sense of place. The two matrices work on the case of city centers and traditional markets. These two matrices compose together a complex matrix which presents open ended criteria and indicators. Analyzing these criteria and indicators and relating them to each other will lead to establishing a tool for planning, measuring, evaluating, and correcting of work in relation to reconstruction. This point gives the research its value since it collects, arrange, and rewrite criteria and indicators in the form of matrices of constant and variable items depending on place and studied case. These matrices can be used to develop further studies in the area of reconstruction for the service of our country. The study is based on analysis of basic concepts of reconstruction with emphasis on criteria and indicators that support the issue of sense of place.